Help for Households via UK Government Cost of Living Payments

Millions of people on means-tested benefits will have started to receive the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 from 14 July 2022, as part of a £37 billion government package to help families with cost of living pressures.

The first £326 instalment for qualifying low-income households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will have been paid by usual payment methods from 14 July 2022, through to the end of July. For those eligible, the rest will follow in a second instalment in the autumn.

People receiving tax credits and no other eligible benefits will receive their first payment from HMRC in the autumn and the second in winter.

The governments intention is that millions of vulnerable households will receive at least £1,200 from the Government this year to help cover rising costs. There are specific payments for those on means tested benefits, for pensioners, those on disability benefits and to help people with energy bills.

£400 off energy bills

All households will start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October. The announcements so far indicate:

• Most households will see the non-repayable discount automatically applied to energy bills in instalments over six months. A £66 discount will be applied to energy bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023

• If you're on a traditional prepayment meter, you'll receive a monthly voucher, which you can redeem at your usual top up point

• Beware of scams. You do not need to apply for the scheme, and you'll never be asked for your bank details.

Check eligibility here: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is also helpful information about further support available on the Cost Of Living campaign website.

15 August 2022